NGOs seek action on ILP

Shillong, July 25: The pro-inner line permit (ILP) groups today warned the Meghalaya government against forming committees only as a formality and asked it to chalk out modalities to implement a “comprehensive mechanism” as suggested by them to combat and regulate influx.

The Mukul Sangma-led government has decided to constitute three committees.

The one headed by director of anti-infiltration directorate, S.K. Jain, would carry out exercises including identification of locations for setting up of entry and exit points to implement the comprehensive mechanisms proposed by the pressure groups to check influx.

Another committee headed by deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh has been asked to work on few required amendments to further strengthen the existing Prohibition of Benami Transaction Act, 1980.

The third committee, headed by chief secretary P.B.O. Warjri, would work on drafting a bill related to verification of tenants (only for non-indigenous people).

“We are only observers of these committees and we have asked the government to ensure that the tasks assigned to the committees should be completed within two months,” Hyniewtrep National Youth Front general secretary, S.K. Blah told reporters after a meeting with chief minister Mukul Sangma.

The groups also warned the government over the formation of the committees only as a formality.

“If the government is not serious, the NGOs would be more serious,” he said, adding that the NGOs have not abandoned the demand for ILP under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873.

The groups also demanded inclusion of various headmen into the government-constituted committees and incorporate their views and suggestions related to tackling influx in the state.

Khasi Students Union (KSU) president Daniel Khyriem also reiterated that the comprehensive mechanisms proposed by the 13 groups before the state government during a meeting on April 29 was in line with the spirit of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873, to combat and regulate influx into the state.

“The NGOs have not abandoned the demand for implementation of ILP in the state. The pro-ILP groups have not coined or proposed the so called modified ILP,” the KSU leader clarified.

The pro-ILP groups will also tour various district headquarters in the coming days to enlighten the people about the comprehensive mechanism proposed to the government and the demand for ILP.

Meanwhile the chief minister said that once the proposed comprehensive mechanisms are structured for setting up of entry and exit points, it will be a welcome sign to Meghalaya.